Just can't help myself!

I usually don't respond to posts like this, however there's been a lot of similar posts along this line. It's been my experience that topology has a lot more effect on sound than any particular tube type.

The only way you could make a generality about a tube type is to compare them with similar topologies. That of course doesn't work, unless we are comparing tubes of the same pin out, with very similar RP, mu,and curves, in the same or very similar circuits. Any competent designer will choose operating points, that allow a chosen tube to operate in the most linear part of the plate curves, so often people are comparing apples and oranges.

Any perceived difference is also dependent on personal preference, which further muddies the discussion.

If I was going to choose a preamp/line stage/driver tube tube, the usual suspects, such as the 12AX7, 5751, and 12AU7 (among others) would be far down on my list. There are far more linear tubes out there.

twystd

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